Everything you need to know about the plumbago, the perennial leaf climbing blog – blog

Plumbago is a bush of perennial leaves whose main use is decorative. It is a very common and sold variety that can be found in gardens, terraces or walls of the houses.

It is a plant species that has different varieties, of which three types mentioned in this article: headphones, pink and Europe.

This shrub is simple to take care and cultivate and does not need very specific conditions for its growth. So if you are not an expert in gardening and you like plants with bright and surprising flowers, the plumbago could be a good option to consider.

If you want to know more about this plant, its characteristics or ways to cultivate it, continue reading, you will surely be interested.

Everything you need to know about the plumbago

Plumbago: what it is, what characteristics has and what are the most common species

• Kingdom: Plant
• Scientific name: Thread
• Class: Magnoliliopsida
• Order: Cariophili
• Family: Plugináceas
• Origen: Plumbago is a genre of the Plumbaginaceae family which includes about 20 different species. This climbing bush is originally from temperate, warm or tropical areas. As a peculiarity, we remember that its name «Plumbago» derives from the Latin Plumus (lead), and not only because of the color that flowers can draw from some of its varieties, but also because previously it was believed that this was a care plant for lead poisoning.

OR thread is a perennial of bush and bearing, then remains green all year round and grows in the form of bush. It has a chaotic and disordered growth since its stems develop in a disordered way, even measuring a couple of meters. It should be noted that if the growth of this plant is controlled, that is, using cuttings for this purpose, plumbago can be part of the decoration of the garden, terraces or walls and hedges.

I am leaves They have a spiral shape, simple and whole and have a maximum length of 12 cm. They have a base and usually have hairy margins. Plumbago is a bush that blooms throughout the year except the coldest months. his Flores They have a wide color variety, depending on the species of this plant. We can find colors such as reddish, white, blue (the most common), purple or pink. Organized in inflorescences, also called Cluster, these flowers have a tubular corolla and five petals. Its glass is equipped with glandular hair that secrete a viscose substance capable of capturing and killing insects.

The most common species in plumbago.

As mentioned above, plumbago is a system that contains a series of speciesAll with very different colors. The most common, that is, the most cultivated and sold, are auriculate (Capensis), one Rose (Points) and, for example, Europeaea.

Auriculata Plumbago, also called Capensis or Blue Beauty Plumbago

Plumbago Auriculata is an original species of the end, in South Africa; It is the most marketed and cultivated of all.

What are the main characteristics of this plant? Auriculata is an evergreen bush (i.e. persistent leaves), with many branches, of climbing type and with semi -CRISSI. Its leaves are oval, light green, whole, round in the apex and can measure up to 5-6 cm. His glass is welded to a tube and has five sharp teeth. The flowering period is from July to December. Alabama The flowers are intense blue And they are associated in groups of about 20, thus forming ears.

It is a plant that can develop optimally in external vessels and does not require special treatments. It can be freely irrigated in the summer and requires a hot place to thrive. In winter you hardly need water.

Plombago pink

Plumbago rosea or indicates is a species whose habitat It is located in Asia. It stands out for its flowering and, although it is not as lush as the auriculated plumbago, it is one of the most cultivated. The reason is your color. FloresA seal which stands out in every garden or terrace. In addition, this bush of perennial leaves has smaller leaves than atriculated and oval lead.

It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and requires soft temperatures, that is, they do not descend from 7 ° C.

Plumbago Europaea

Plumbago Europae is generally found in Dry, open and unstressed places, such as edges and margins of the streets. It is also known as grass for wounds, chains or herbs for the teeth.

This kind of plumbago, like those mentioned above, is a bush of perennial leaves, dark green and reaches a height of up to 120 cm. It has an angular, woody and very branched stem. The leaves are alternating and up to 9 cm long. The lowest bracts have a winged petiole, they are more or less oval and the central have sessions. The flowers are collected in spike -shaped inflorescences and have a tubular glass with a glandular peduncle.

Plumbago multiplication: coupon or seeds

The multiplication of plumbago can be performed by cuttry or using seed. The result will depend on the method chosen, or if seeds are used, there is a risk that the resulting plant is not the same as the original species.

Multiplication for cuttings: It is composed of Make cuttings of about 8-10 cm of the side branches of the plant. For this it is necessary to make an oblique cut just below a knot, eliminating the leaves below. To encourage rooting, sprinkle the cut part with a specific powder. Then place the cuttings in a pot, moisten the earth and cover the pot with transparent plastic or a bag. Remove plastic every day to check the humidity and the possible condensation of the water.

Multiplication of the seed: It is made in spring and is composed of Spread the seeds uniformly on a substrate. After planted them, moisten the earth and spray with water and fungicide to avoid fungal infections. As in the propagation for cuttings, the pan with transparent plastic must be covered.

Requirements for a good crop: plant, irrigation and pruning techniques

Like all plant species, Plumbago also requires a series of Conditions of growth so that its development is adequate. Although it is a plant that does not require special care, it requires a characteristic plantation technique, specific irrigation and, for example, annual pruning.

Plumbago culture technique: peculiarity of this plant.

Plumbago is a rustic bush that It does not require special conditions Or specific, you just need a series of treatments so that it can be developed correctly.

Let's take a look at some peculiarities of this plant:

• Does not support the cold. You prefer the high temperatures of the summer.
• Requires a lot of lightTherefore it is recommended to plant this flower in areas with direct sun.
• It can be grown in external pots. It is recommended to avoid areas with air currents.
• Since it is a climbing bush, the location is preferable. powers To check your growth.

and from the Plombago

Should abound During spring and summer. Between one irrigation and the other you have to wait until the earth is completely dry, otherwise there may be a stagnation of the water and therefore the diseases or the marcion of the roots.

Or hydraulic question Wet environments Therefore it is necessary to spray periodically and until the first flowers appear (never do it when the sun gives direct light).

Type of soil in which to plant and transplant

This bush needs soil that drains the water well And where no water stagnation occurs. During the vase plantation, it is important to place a little gravel or pieces of clay in the background to help drain the water.

Plumbago is transplanted in early spring using a slightly larger pot and a fertile land.

The fertilizer

You have to fertilize it fortnightly At the end of spring and throughout the summer. For this operation it is recommended to use a liquid fertilizer diluted in irrigation water. The fertilization must be suspended when the cold station arrives, that is, in the months of autumn and winter.

Pruning after flowering

Plumbago flowering usually occurs in the months between April and autumn, but this will depend on the species with which we are dealing. Once the flower growth process is over, time comes to pruning.

How is a good pruning? Because this operation is successful is necessary Cut the wood stems 30 cm from the ground. If it is not done correctly, the flowers are oven only in intact branches, that is, in the branches that exist all year round.

The most common parasites and diseases of the Plumbago.

Like any plant species, Plumbago is susceptible to the suffering of the negative effects of various Diseases or parasites This can influence their development. These diseases have harmful consequences on the appearance of the plant and sometimes cause their death.

Subsequently, we describe the most common and their immediate effects:

– When the leaves are passionate or suspended, we are faced with a Irrigation problem. When they laugh abundantly or when the consequences mentioned above are produced very little. The solution is to check the amount of water used.

– If you notice that the plumbago dries quickly, it means that the system is subject to strong stress. Extreme cold and frost. It is necessary to eliminate the damaged parts and protect healthy areas.

– I know The ground is scarce in nutrientsThis bush of perennial leaves will not bloom. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply a good fertilizer.

—Os Aphids They are one of the most common parasites. They are small insects that suck the sap of the plant causing its putrefaction. The best way to eliminate them is to use specific products.